Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr has shot a look ahead of his prospects with the Nigerian national team, and believes better days lie ahead of them, because the squad’s future is bright.
In spite of critical comments trailing the team’s inability to go beyond the group stage at this year’s World Cup, Rohr insists his side gave their very best and says they will get better with time.
The Franco-German tactician blamed his side’s inability to reach the round of 16 at Russia 2018 on inexperience, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and lack of adequate fans in the stands, but insists it was a worthwhile outing for the squad.
Rohr went on to declare emphatically that his players put up a very encouraging performance at the Mundial, and he is optimistic of better days ahead of them, starting with the September 7 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Seychelles.
Rohr hinted that he had some reservations for the role VAR played against his team at the World Cup, with different interpretations for different countries, but added that another factor that worked against the Eagles in Russia was lack of supporters.
He stated: “Nigerian supporters were outnumbered and the general atmosphere was not good enough for concentration. It was an experience worthwhile.
“VAR recognised handball for France but refused to award us handball in a similar situation, but I do not like talking about referees.
“I am proud of my players who went to the World Cup. They only lacked experience. We had a very young team that was very good and did very well.
“They were the least ranked team but put up a good fighting spirit. It is disheartening that we did not get past the group stage, (but) the future is bright.”
